Religious extremism is being promoted to divert people’s attention from economic and unemployment issues: Maulana Arshad Madani
Staff Reporter / New Delhi
President of Jamiat Ulama-a-Hind, Maulana Arshad Madani has announced scholarships worth one crore sixty lakh rupees for 915 students selected on merit for the academic year 2024-2025. As in previous years, 46 non-Muslim students have also been included among the recipients. The scholarship amounts are being directly transferred to the students’ accounts.
It is important to mention that Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has announced scholarships every year since 2012 to help financially weak but talented students pursue higher and professional education. For this purpose, the Maulana Hussain Ahmad Madani Charitable Trust Deoband and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Arshad Madani Public Trust established a Taleemi Imdadi Fund (educational assistance fund) and formed a team of experts to select students based on merit each year.
This year, a significant number of non-Muslim students applied for scholarships, and 46 were selected on merit. The primary goal behind this initiative is to enable intelligent students to continue their educational journey without any hindrance due to poverty and financial problems. While announcing the scholarship, Maulana Madani stated that with Allah’s help and support, they have been successful in implementing this initiative.
He said that every year, the number of students applying for scholarships is increasing, which clearly indicates that there has been a positive change in the thinking and mindset of our youth, enabling them to keep pace with the rapidly changing world. They are now seriously inclined towards education.
Maulana Madani further stated that at a time when communalism and the politics of bigotry have reached their peak, with inflammatory actions being openly carried out to deepen the divide and hatred between followers of different religions, there is open discrimination against Muslims at the governmental level, from the center to the states. Education is the only effective means through which any nation can not only protect itself but also effectively respond to planned propaganda against it. We must remember that the nations that progress in the world are those whose youth are properly trained and educated.
He further stated that Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind does not work based on religion; rather, everything it does is based on humanity and tolerance. Therefore, this year, as in previous years, a large number of non-Muslim students have been selected among those who meet the required standards. The scholarships provided by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind in collaboration with MHA Madani Charitable Trust Deoband do not have any religious restrictions. However, it is essential that the student meets the criteria or conditions set for receiving the scholarships.
Maulana Madani also mentioned that the scope of the work of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind is very vast, while the resources are limited. Therefore, we are unable to extend our assistance to all the needy students, and this deeply concerns us. Although the scholarship fund has been increased, considering the large number of applications we receive every year, this fund is still insufficient. However, we make every effort to ensure that financial assistance reaches every deserving and needy student.
He further stated that it gives great satisfaction and a sense of peace to see that our students are not only advancing in professional education but are also excelling in competitive education with great enthusiasm.
However, it is an unfortunate reality that Muslims, as a group, are facing economic backwardness. Educational expenses have increased significantly, and as a result, many talented and intelligent students are forced to drop out due to their parents’ inability to bear the costs. On the other hand, a bitter truth is that the communal mindset is blocking the path of Muslim children in pursuing education. Schemes like the Maulana Azad Foundation and other initiatives aimed at the educational development of Muslims have been shut down. Despite these obstacles, the gradual increase in the number of Muslim students pursuing education is a positive sign.
He once again emphasized that it is falsely claimed that we are against girls’ education, which is completely baseless and unfounded. We are not against girls’ education, but we oppose co-education that could lead to the spread of social evils in society. No religion in the world allows the spread of social vices.
He said that after the country’s independence, as a nation, we have reached a very critical juncture in history. On one hand, we are being entangled in various issues, and on the other, the paths to our economic, social, political, and educational development are being blocked. If we are to thwart this conspiracy and achieve progress, we must establish our own educational institutions for our boys and girls.
He further stated that history bears witness that in every era, education has been the key to progress. Therefore, once again, we appeal to the distinguished and affluent members of the community to step forward and establish separate educational institutions for boys and girls, where they can receive education without fear or anxiety, while maintaining their religious identity and Islamic values. This is not a difficult task; we just need to change our mindset for this purpose.
Maulana Madani said that such educational institutions should be made exemplary, so that even non-Muslim parents are compelled to send their children to these schools. This will not only increase mutual interaction and brotherhood, but it will also help eliminate the misunderstandings that are being systematically spread by communal elements against Muslims.
Maulana Madani emphasized that our children do not lack intelligence or capability. Recent survey reports have shown that not only has the educational ratio of Muslim children increased, but there is also a noticeable rise in their interest in education. Therefore, we should not be discouraged. If we motivate and encourage them, we can overcome any obstacles in our path and reach the destination of success. We must remember that no revolution happens while sitting at home; it requires both effort and sacrifice.
Maulana Madani concluded by stating that, on one hand, the harmful campaign to fuel religious extremism and inject hatred into the minds of the public is in full swing, while on the other hand, a dangerous plan to render Muslims politically and educationally powerless has also begun. He said that in recent years, the country’s economic and financial situation has become extremely weak, and unemployment has risen to alarming levels. Despite this, those in power continue to boast about the country’s development, and the biased media is openly supporting them in this campaign. He further stated that religious extremism is being promoted to divert people’s attention from the pressing issues of the economy and unemployment.
Maulana Madani further stated that the game of dividing the public on religious and communal lines will destroy the country. He emphasized that by intoxicating people with religious hatred, they cannot be misled for long from real issues. Food, clothing, and shelter are the basic necessities of human life. Therefore, instead of promoting the politics of hatred, if employment opportunities are not created and educated youth are not given jobs, the day is not far when the nation’s youth will take to the streets in protest.